IT'S FRIDAY!!!!
In the morning on Friday we worked at the office, beginning to plan activities for the coming weeks. At around noon we all ate lunch and then it was off to Healing Family Foundation.
About Healing Family Foundation:
"The Healing Family Foundation is a house of joy for disabled people. It was initiated by a Japanese volunteer, Mr. Nakayama, who came to teach Thai people how to weave and introduced the weaving activity to people with mental and physical disabilities in Chiang Mai and neighbouring provinces.
The Healing Family Foundation was founded in 2005 by a group of parents. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a space for people with disabilities to enjoy themselves, develop friendships, and learn new skills. Through their weaving they also have an opportunity to make some money and help their families.
At the healing Family Foundation members come and join the activities together as a community during the daytime. They normally do weaving in the morning and have different activities in the afternoon. The afternoon activities are normally organized by physically disabled officers and include Thai and English language and dancing" (ARI Handbook, May 14th, 2016).
Pepo, the program coordinator as well as translator, led the workshop for the afternoon. We would be making small, individual, paper cakes. When we first arrived everyone was greeted with hugs and big smiles, it made for a very positive environment. Once everyone was in a circle we went around and said our names. Pepo then launched into explaining everything in Thai. It's difficult when you have no idea what is being said, you have to sit and wait to be told what to do, or wait till someone who understands translates. Once the workshop was underway everyone was laughing and giggling, having a grand time. At the end everyones cake looked awesome (we even put candles on them!) Saying goodbye was sad as it was refreshing to be around such happy, loving and outgoing people, but they seemed to make it a treat. It was a truly wonderful afternoon.
In the morning on Friday we worked at the office, beginning to plan activities for the coming weeks. At around noon we all ate lunch and then it was off to Healing Family Foundation.
About Healing Family Foundation:
"The Healing Family Foundation is a house of joy for disabled people. It was initiated by a Japanese volunteer, Mr. Nakayama, who came to teach Thai people how to weave and introduced the weaving activity to people with mental and physical disabilities in Chiang Mai and neighbouring provinces.
The Healing Family Foundation was founded in 2005 by a group of parents. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a space for people with disabilities to enjoy themselves, develop friendships, and learn new skills. Through their weaving they also have an opportunity to make some money and help their families.
At the healing Family Foundation members come and join the activities together as a community during the daytime. They normally do weaving in the morning and have different activities in the afternoon. The afternoon activities are normally organized by physically disabled officers and include Thai and English language and dancing" (ARI Handbook, May 14th, 2016).
Pepo, the program coordinator as well as translator, led the workshop for the afternoon. We would be making small, individual, paper cakes. When we first arrived everyone was greeted with hugs and big smiles, it made for a very positive environment. Once everyone was in a circle we went around and said our names. Pepo then launched into explaining everything in Thai. It's difficult when you have no idea what is being said, you have to sit and wait to be told what to do, or wait till someone who understands translates. Once the workshop was underway everyone was laughing and giggling, having a grand time. At the end everyones cake looked awesome (we even put candles on them!) Saying goodbye was sad as it was refreshing to be around such happy, loving and outgoing people, but they seemed to make it a treat. It was a truly wonderful afternoon.
Following our fun afternoon, we returned to the office. At this point the heat was starting to get to us. So we took a small break and bought some ice cream (yes it was messy, but well worth it!) Then we ended the day with an office cleanup.
The Night Bazar was super cool. I think I like Chiang Mai at night, one because it's cooler (temp. wise) and two because it's a different type of atmosphere, a little more relaxed. Sarah, Maggie, Carina and I walked the market and had some amazing italian gelato ice cream. I also met a woman from the hill tribes who had a small booth and was selling bracelets. When I approached her I greeted her in Thai and noticed that she was making them right in front of me. I asked her if she had made all of them (there were quite a lot) she said yes and produced a small photo album which showed her as a young girl, and further in life, and some what explained how they dried the grass. It was really amazing to see photos and to have a glimpse of her life.
The Night Bazar was super cool. I think I like Chiang Mai at night, one because it's cooler (temp. wise) and two because it's a different type of atmosphere, a little more relaxed. Sarah, Maggie, Carina and I walked the market and had some amazing italian gelato ice cream. I also met a woman from the hill tribes who had a small booth and was selling bracelets. When I approached her I greeted her in Thai and noticed that she was making them right in front of me. I asked her if she had made all of them (there were quite a lot) she said yes and produced a small photo album which showed her as a young girl, and further in life, and some what explained how they dried the grass. It was really amazing to see photos and to have a glimpse of her life.